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Hurricane Julia Hits Nicaragua

Hurricane Julia hit the coast of Nicaragua early on Sunday. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Julia was located at latitude 12.4°N and longitude 84.6°W which put it about 60 miles (95 km) west-northwest of Bluefields, Nicaragua. Julia was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields, Nicaragua to the border with Costa Rica and from Puerto Cabezas to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, the Pacific coast of Honduras and the entire coast of El Salvador. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Patuca, Honduras to the border with Nicaragua. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Pacific coast of Guatemala.

Hurricane Julia made landfall on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua north of Bluefields early on Sunday. Julia strengthened before it made landfall. A circular eye with a diameter of 40 miles (65 km) was at the center of Hurricane Julia at landfall. The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km) at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Julia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Julia will move south of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea. The high pressure system will steer Julia toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Hurricane Julia will move across Nicaragua on Sunday. Julia will weaken as it moves across Nicaragua, but it will continue to bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations. Hurricane Julia will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to southern Honduras, southwestern Guatemala and to El Salvador. The center of Julia could move over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Sunday night. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Pacific coasts of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Pacific coast of Guatemala.

Julia Strengthens to a Hurricane East of Nicaragua

Former Tropical Storm Julia strengthened to a hurricane over the Southwest Caribbean Sea east of Nicaragua on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Julia was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 82.7°W which put it about 80 miles (130 km) east-northeast of Bluefields, Nicaragua. Julia was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina Islands. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields, Nicaragua to the border with Costa Rica and from Puerto Cabezas to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, the Pacific coast of Honduras and the entire coast of El Salvador. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Patuca, Honduras to the border with Nicaragua.

A circular eye with a diameter of 40 miles (65 km) formed at the center of Hurricane Julia on Saturday night. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Julia. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Julia’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Julia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Julia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Julia could intensify during the next few hours. Julia will being to weaken when it makes landfall in Nicaragua.

Hurricane Julia will move south of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea. The high pressure system will steer Julia toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Hurricane Julia will make landfall on the east coast of Nicaragua in a few hours. Julia will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Nicaragua on Sunday. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations. Julia could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the east coast of Nicaragua. Hurricane Julia will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to southern Honduras and to El Salvador.

Tropical Storm Julia Strengthens over Southwest Caribbean

Tropical Storm Julia strengthened over the Southwest Caribbean Sea on Saturday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Julia was located at latitude 12.8°N and longitude 79.0°W which put it about 165 miles (2705 km) east-southeast of Isla de Providencia, Colombia. Julia was moving toward the west at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina Islands. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras. Tropical Storm Warning were in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields, Nicaragua to the border with Costa Rica and from Puerto Cabezas to the border with Honduras. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Patuca, Honduras to the border with Nicaragua.

Tropical Storm Julia strengthened over the Southwest Caribbean Sea east of Nicaragua on Saturday morning. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Julia’s circulation and in bands revolving around the center. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 110 miles (175 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Julia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours. Julia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Julia will intensify during the next 36 hours. Julia is likely to strengthen to a hurricane during the the next 12 hours. Tropical Storm Julia could intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall form.

Tropical Storm Julia will move south of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea. The high pressure system will steer Julia toward the west during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Julia will reach San Andres, Providencia and the Santa Catalina Islands by Saturday evening. It could be a hurricane by that time. Julia could reach the coast of Nicaragua early on Sunday. Julia will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations. Julia could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters).

Tropical Storm Julia Develops North of Colombia

Tropical Storm Julia developed over the Caribbean Sea just north of Colombia on Friday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Julia was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 73.1°W which put it about 110 miles (175 km) west of the northern tip of the Guajira Peninsula, Colombia. Julia was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina Islands. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bluefields, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras. A Tropical Storm Warning for the portion of the coast from Riohacha, Colombia eastward to the border with Venezuela. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Patuca, Honduras to the border with Nicaragua.

Former Tropical Depression Thirteen strengthened on Friday morning after the center of circulation moved over the Caribbean Sea north of Colombia and the National Hurricane Center upgraded the weather system to Tropical Storm Julia. Almost half of the circulation of Tropical Storm Julia was still over northern Colombia. More thunderstorms formed in the northern side of Julia which was over the Caribbean Sea. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern and western sides of the center of Tropical Storm Julia. Storms near the center of Julia generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the Tropical Storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles in the northern side of Julia’s circulation. The winds in the southern half of Julia were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Julia will move into an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Julia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Julia will intensify during the next 36 hours. Julia is likely to strengthen to a hurricane during the weekend. Tropical Storm Julia could intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall form.

Tropical Storm Julia will move south of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea. The high pressure system will steer Julia toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Julia will move over the southwestern Caribbean Sea on Friday. Julia could reach San Andres, Providencia and the Santa Catalina Islands by Saturday evening. It could be a hurricane by that time. Julia could reach the coast of Nicaragua on Sunday morning. Julia will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen Prompts Hurricane Watch by Colombia

A weather system designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen prompted the government of Colombia to issue a Hurricane Watch for some islands in the western Caribbean Sea. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen was located at latitude 11.5°N and longitude 67.7°W which put it about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Curacao. Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina Islands. A Tropical Storm Warning for the portion of the coast from Riohacha, Colombia eastward to the border with Venezuela.

A weather system over northern Venezuela strengthened on Thursday afternoon and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen. The center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen was near the northern coast of Venezuela. More thunderstorms formed near the center of circulation on Thursday afternoon. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving about the center. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the weather system.

The primary factor keeping Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen from strengthening is that half of the circulation is over land. Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen will move into an environment favorable for intensification when the center of circulation moves over the southern Caribbean Sea. Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Caribbean Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen could strengthen to a tropical storm during the next 24 hours. It could intensify to a hurricane during the weekend.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen will move south of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea. The high pressure system will steer the potential tropical cyclone toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen will along the coast of northwestern Venezuela during the next 24 hours. The center will move over southwestern Caribbean Sea on Friday. Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northwestern Venezuela and northeastern Colombia. It will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Curacao, Bonaire and Aruba. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Potential Tropical Cyclone Thirteen could approach the coast of Nicaragua on Sunday. It could be a hurricane by that time.

Hurricane Larry Passes East of Bermuda

Hurricane Larry passed east of Bermuda on Thursday afternoon. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Larry was located at latitude 32.9°N and longitude 62.0°W which put it about 170 miles (280 km) east-northeast of Bermuda. Larry was moving toward the north-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 966 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from St. Schotts to Pouch Cove, Newfoundland. Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for the portions of the coast from Lamaline to St, Schotts, Newfoundland and from Pouch Cove to Bonavista, Newfoundland.

The center of Hurricane Larry passed east of Bermuda on Friday afternoon. Bands on the western edge of Larry’s circulation brought rain and gusty winds to Bermuda. Hurricane Larry was still a well organized hurricane. A circular eye was present at the center of Larry. The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Larry. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the north of the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Larry was large. Winds to hurricane force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Larry. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 220 miles (350 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Larry was 13.9. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 25.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 39.3.

Hurricane Larry will move through an environment that should allow it to maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours. Larry will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28˚C. It will move around the eastern side of an upper level trough over the eastern U.S. The trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Larry’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. However, the winds in the lower levels will also blow from the southwest. So, there will not be a lot of vertical wind shear. Hurricane Larry will move over cooler water when it moves north of the Gulf Stream on Friday. Larry will begin to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone when it gets north of the Gulf Stream.

The upper level trough over the eastern U.S. will steer Hurricane Larry toward the northeast. On its anticipated track Larry will move quickly away from Bermuda. Hurricane Larry could reach southeastern Newfoundland on Friday night. Larry will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Newfoundland.

Elsewhere, former Tropical Storm Mindy dropped locally heavy rain over the southeast coast of the U.S. on Thursday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression Mindy was located at latitude 31.5°N and longitude 80.7°W which put it about 45 miles (75 km) south-southeast of Savannah, Georgia. Mindy was moving toward the east-northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

Tropical Storm Mindy Forms near Florida Panhandle

Tropical Storm Mindy formed near the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Mindy was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 86.3°W which put it about 90 miles (145 km) west-southwest of Apalachicola, Florida. Mindy was moving toward the northeast at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1008 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for the portion of the coast from Mexico Beach to the Steinhatchee River, Florida.

A surface low pressure system spun up quickly near the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday afternoon and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Mindy. More thunderstorms were forming near the center of Mindy. Storms near the center started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the tropical storm. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease. NOAA buoy 42039 reported a sustained wind speed of 38 m.p.h. (61 km/h) and a wind gust of 51 m.p.h. (83 km/h) at 4:40 p.m. EDT. The buoy also reported a surface pressure of 1007.8 mb.

Tropical Storm Mindy could strengthen a little during the next few hours before it makes landfall on the coast of Northwest Florida. Mindy will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30˚C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level low over the western Gulf of Mexico. The upper low will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Mindy’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the shear will limit potential intensification.

The upper level low will steer Tropical Storm Mindy quickly toward the northeast during the next 12 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Mindy will make landfall on the coast near Port St. Joe, Florida on Wednesday evening. Mindy will move more toward the east-northeast on Thursday when it reaches the westerly winds in the middle latitudes. Tropical Storm Mindy will produce gusty winds along the coast of Northwest Florida. Mindy could drop locally heavy rain over parts of northern Florida and southern Georgia. Flash Flood Watches are in effect for parts of northern Florida. Southerly winds on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Mindy will push waves toward the coast and some beach erosion is likely.

Elsewhere, Hurricane Larry moved closer to Bermuda on Wednesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Larry was located at latitude 28.9°N and longitude 59.2°W which put it about 405 miles (655 km) southeast of Bermuda. Larry was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 966 mb. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Bermuda.

Laura Weakens to Tropical Storm over Arkansas

Former Hurricane Laura weakened to a tropical storm over Arkansas on Thursday afternoon.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Laura was located at latitude 32.9°N and longitude 92.8°W which put it about 25 miles (40 km) west-southwest of El Dorado, Arkansas.  Laura was moving toward the north-northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

All coastal Tropical Storm Warnings have been discontinued.

Hurricane Laura caused significant wind damage over southwestern Louisiana.  The largest concentration of damage appeared to be around Lake Charles, Louisiana.  There were reports that the dome for the weather radar at the National Weather Service office in Lake Charles sustained heavy damage.  The Automated Surface Observing Station (ASOS) at Lake Charles reported a peak wind speed of 133 m.p.h. (215 km/h).  There were also reports of widespread power outages in Louisiana and eastern Texas.

Former Hurricane Laura gradually weakened as it moved inland over Louisiana.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Laura was still well organized.  However, drier air was wrapping around the western and southern sides of the circulation.  The heavier rains and stronger winds were north and east of the center of Laura.  Flash Flood Watches were in effect for parts of Arkansas, western Tennessee, western Kentucky and extreme southeastern Missouri.

Tropical Storm Laura will turn more toward the east when it reaches southern Missouri on Friday.  Westerly winds in the middle latitudes will carry Laura toward the east coast of the U.S.  Tropical Storm Laura could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to West Virginia on Saturday.

Powerful Hurricane Laura Makes Landfall in Southwest Louisiana

Powerful Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwest Louisiana on Wednesday night.  At 2:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Laura was located at latitude 29.8°N and longitude 93.3°W which put it about 30 miles (50 km) south-southwest of Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Laura was moving toward the north at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 938 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from High Island, Texas to Intracoastal City, Louisiana.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from San Luis Pass to High Island, Texas and from Intracoastal City to the Mouth of the Mississippi River.

The center of Hurricane Laura officially made landfall near Cameron, Louisiana on Tuesday night.  Hurricane Laura was the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall on the coast of southwest Louisiana.  Laura was stronger than Hurricane Rita was when Rita made landfall in the same area in September 2005.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Laura was 31.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 51.2.  Hurricane Laura was capable of causing widespread extensive damage.

A NOAA National Ocean Service weather station at Calcasieu Pass measured a sustained wind speed of 93 m.p.h. (150 km/h) and a wind gust of 127 m.p.h. (204 km/h) during the passage of the northern eyewall.  The station also recorded a water rise of over 10 feet (3 meters).  The National Weather Service station at the Lake Charles airport measured a wind gust of 104 m.p.h. (167 km/h) during the passage of an inner rainband.  There were numerous reports of power outages.

Hurricane Laura will move inland over western Louisiana on Thursday.  The center of Laura will move over southern Arkansas by Thursday night.  Hurricane Laura will continue to cause a significant storm surge along the coast of Louisiana on Thursday morning.  Laura could produce hurricane force winds in Alexandria, Louisiana.  It could bring strong tropical storm force winds to Shreveport and Monroe.  Hurricane Laura will also drop heavy rain over Louisiana and parts of Arkansas.  Flash floods could occur in some locations.

Hurricane Laura Intensifies to Cat. 4

Hurricane Laura rapidly intensified to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Wednesday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Laura was located at latitude 27.3°N and longitude 92.5°W which put it about 200 miles (320 km) south-southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Laura was moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 170 m.p.h. (275 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 952 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from San Luis, Pass, Texas to Intracoastal City, Lousiana.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Sargent, Texas to San Luis Pass and from Intracoastal City to the Mouth of the Mississippi River.

Hurricane Laura continued to intensify rapidly on Wednesday morning.  The eye became more circular and well defined.  The ring of thunderstorms around the eye strengthened and the highest wind speeds were occurring in that ring of storms.   Storms near the core of Laura generated strong upper level divergence which pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.  The continued removal of mass allowed a further rapid decrease in surface pressure.

Hurricane Laura grew into a large hurricane on Wednesday.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Laura.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Laura was 28.3.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 19.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 47.4.  Hurricane Laura was capable of causing widespread significant damage.

Hurricane Laura could strengthen during the next few hours.  Laura will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  There is a possibility that Hurricane Laura could intensify to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.  When Hurricane Laura nears the coast of western Louisiana, it will be closer to an upper level trough over Texas and Oklahoma.  The trough will produce southwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of Laura.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase and that could stop the intensification of Hurricane Laura.

Hurricane Laura will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system that extends from the Atlantic Ocean over the Gulf of Mexico.  Laura will start to move towards the north when it reaches the western end of the high.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Laura will make landfall south of Lake Charles, Louisiana in 8 to 10 hours.  After it makes landfall, Laura will move north over western Louisiana.

Hurricane Laura is a strong, extremely dangerous hurricane.  It is capable of causing widespread significant damage.  Laura will be stronger than Hurricane Rita was when Rita hit the same area in 2005.  Hurricane Laura will cause a storm surge of 15 to 20 feet (5 to 7 meters) near and to the east of where the center makes landfall.  Large sections of the southwest coast of Louisiana south of Interstate 10 will go underwater.  Hurricane Laura will bring hurricane force winds to much of western Louisiana and to extreme east Texas.  Widespread power outages are likely.  Hurricane Laura will drop heavy rain over parts of western Louisiana, eastern Texas and Arkansas.  Flash floods could result from the heavy rain